The following is a guideline to assist readers in furthering their understanding of the Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) registration process and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

Putting your pistol in the Pistol StabilizerTM makes it an SBR in the eyes of the law. As with any NFA (National FIrearms Act) item, there are registration requirements. THERE IS NO FEDERAL PROHIBITION on law-abiding citizens owning NFA items, including Short Barreled Rifles. Prohibitions, where they exist, are a product of State and Local legislation. The Federal government's interest in your SBR is in collecting a $200 tax for each one you register.

STEP 1:Do your homework! Research the local laws where you live. BATFE will not register your SBR if the laws in your jurisdiction prohibit it. Call your police department or Sheriff's office to verify local laws allow possession of an SBR. Local gun dealers are a great resource, also.

STEP 2:Decide on an ownership entity. There are basically two ownership options. Which one you choose will depend on your personal preference and the firearms laws in the jurisdiction in which you live. These are "INDIVIDUAL" or "TRUST". (A third option is to incorporate, though that will not be covered here.) Each has its pros and cons. The "TRUST" route may be your only option if the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO -- usually the Sheriff of your county) will not sign your paperwork.

STEP 3:Gather the necessary paperwork. These include:

Two FORM 1s. (Make sure you print page 1 and page 2 on the same sheet of paper.)

One COMPLIANCE FORM (Form 5330.20)

Two FD-258LE Fingerprint cards. (If owning as "INDIVIDUAL" only.)

Two passport photos. (If owning as "INDIVIDUAL" only.)

One $200 check made payable to BATFE

The forms can be ordered via mail or printed online via site links in the left margin of this page. Fingerprint cards can be obtained by ordering online from ATF. In some jurisdictions, the local police department can supply them.

STEP 4:Complete paperwork for a Revocable Living Trust, if going that route. You can get a ready-made package from your local bookstore or buy software that has the necessary forms (i.e. Quicken Willmaker Plus 2010 - $39.99 on Amazon). Have the completed paperwork notarized at your bank and file the paperwork with the courthouse. It seems like a lot to do. It's not, really. Once established, the Trust makes it more convenient to register all your current and future NFA regulated items.

STEP 5:Complete the applicable forms (whether "Individual" or "Trust"). Follow the instructions on the forms. Passport photos can be taken by many chain drugstores, such as Rite-Aid or CVS. Call your local police department for assistance getting fingerprinted.

STEP 6:Get your CLEO's signature on both copies of the FORM 1. Call ahead to see if an appointment is necessary or if you even need to show up in person or just mail the forms in.

STEP 7:Send the paperwork from STEP 3 above, including your check, to the address in the FORM 1 directions and wait. Processing may take 90-120 days. If going the "Trust" route, remember to send in a copy of your Revocable Living Trust paperwork with the application.